Enhancing Workplaces with Constructive Online Recreation

Abstract

Organizations have become more permeable— integrating more influences from the outside world— as participants engage in such online diversions as trading stocks, engaging in multiplayer games, or viewing images of their children in daycare. Ready availability of these activities has brought the potential for abuse but also new opportunities. Constructive uses of online recreation and play can enhance many workplaces (especially high-tech and information-saturated ones) and perhaps ultimately make them more productive. This article proposes that these complex issues be resolved through participatory approaches, involving workgroups in discussions as to what constitutes “constructive recreation” as well as in development and dissemination of effective and fair policies. This discourse can also ultimately increase levels of trust among team members and between employees and management.